British Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation
Reviews and ratings of quality, hand-picked, UK websites
BBC UK Wildlife
• www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain
Articles , information and field guides. You can also find walks, events and places to visit in the UK.
Badgerland
• www.badgerland.co.uk
Lots of information on badgers plus details of UK badger groups and advice on seeing badgers. There is an education section that includes projects for children, a teachers pack plus stories and poems.
Born Free UK
• www.bornfree.org.uk
Established in 1991, the Born Free Foundation brought together under one banner all the projects launched by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna as a result of their roles in the film "Born Free" in 1964. These projects included Zoo Check which campaigns against the abuse of animals in zoos and Elefriends which campaigns for the protection of elephants. Born Free campaigns for the conservation of wild animals and against the keeping of animals in zoos and circuses and as exotic pets by petitioning governments, offering help and expertise to solve the worst cases of animal abuse.
The British Library Wildlife Sounds
• www.bl.uk/collections/sound-archive/wild.html
The British Library has an extensive sound collection of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects plus atmospheric and environmental recordings. Unfortunately, there is only a small selection available to listen to online at present, but you can make an listening appointment to hear the sounds at the British Library itself.
British Wild Boar
• www.britishwildboar.org.uk
If you thought there weren't any wild boar left in the UK, then think again! According to British Wild Boar, there are at least 3 breeding populations existing in the UK, mainly as a result of escapees from wild boar farms. Lots of information on wild boar plus field signs of boar, letters page, academic research and information on breeding wild boar.
Butterfly Conservation UK
• www.butterfly-conservation.org
Butterfly ConservationUK protects wild butterflys and their habitats in the UK. The site contains information about all UK species (data and photos), conservation plus there is a section on education that has wildlife watching activities for children.
Countryside Council for Wales
• www.ccw.gov.uk
Headers: Our work, News, Events & Meetings, Places to visit, Offices & People, Publications & Research
The Countryside Council for Wales is the wildlife conservation authority for Wales, with the responsibily for reporting to government. Their work encompasses a range of areas from earth sicence to wildlife protection to marine environments, and the site contains detailed, easily assessible and very readable, information on the work they do. The site also has advice and information, including maps, on the 67 nature reserves, 3 national trails and thousands of public footpaths throughout Wales.
Deer UK
• www.deer-uk.com
Articles, photos, information and advice regarding the six species of British Deer. There is also a video and sounds section plus letters and news.
Defra
• www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside
Useful information regarding wildlife and countryside issues from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
English Nature
• www.english-nature.gov.uk
English Nature is a government agency with the aim of conserving wildlife, geology and wild places in England. There is detailed information on all areas of England. Click on special sites for access details of national and local nature reserves, geological sites plus details of guided walks and events.
John Muir Trust
• www.jmt.org
Based in Scotland, the aim of the trust is "to conserve and protect wild places with their indigenous animals, plants and soils for the benefit of present and future generations". The Trust manages seven properties in Scotland which you can visit. Full details on the site.
The Mammal Society
• www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal
Working to protect British mammals, The Mammal Society runs training workshops and carries out surveys (you can help here by volunteering ), as well as advocating conservation plans. The website contains fact sheets on most british mammals.
Mammals Trust UK
• www.mtuk.org
The aim of the Trust is to conserve British mammals. Clearly lots of information on the habits and distribution of UK mamals here, including online videos. If you join (£36 pa) or donate to the Trust you get their magazine and the opportunity to take part in wildlife watching events.
Marine Conservation Society
• www.mcsuk.org
Established in 1977, the Marine Conservation Society is a UK national charity for the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife. In addition to campaigning, the Society funds projects such as Beachwatch which involves monitoring and cleaning beaches throughout the year - litter is potentially harmful in its impact on wildlife, marine ecosystems and human communities. You can help by getting involved in projects, joining, or you could adopt-a-turtle! The site contains lots of information on marine species, habitats and threats.
Marlin
• www.marlin.ac.uk
Marlin - The Marine Life Information Network for Britain and Ireland - has detailed information on all the marine species of the British Iles. Click on education & resources for interactive tours, underwater life, seashore life, sightings, recording, news & events and marine life topics.
National Federation of Badger Groups
• www.badger.org.uk
This is a registered charity which promotes conservation, welfare and protection of badgers and their habitats. Lots of information on badgers plus you can find your local badger group, donate, help or just shop for badger related books gifts.
Nature Detectives
• www.naturedetectives.org.uk
Site for young people who would like to record wildlife events (such as first leaf, bird nets building and lots more). By doing so you will be helping scientists monitor the impact of climate changes on plants and animals. You can download various information sheets such as leaf identification, trees, furits and seeds plus much more.Enjoy the gallery of photos or download some of the games available.
Nature's Calendar
• www.phenology.org.uk
Nature's Calendar - aka The UK Phenology Network. If you are not sure (and I wasn't) "Phenology is the study of the times of recurring natural phenomena especially in relation to climate. It is recording when you heard the first cuckoo or saw the blackthorn blossom. This can then be compared with other records". You can get involved by becoming a recorder yourself. Young people between the ages of 4 and 18 should visit Nature Detectives.
NGfL
• www.e4s.org.uk
Free online resources for teachers on waste management, timber, textiles, water and greening Britain's schools. Printable worksheets available.
People's Trust for Endangered Species
• www.ptes.org
Founded in 1977, PTES is based in London and funds a wide variety of projects involving the conservation of endangered species worldwide, including the UK, as well as funding scientific research. Project examples include research and monitoring of the Black Rhino in Namibia and the jaguar in Venezuela. They also run surveys to monitor the state of British Mammals that you can take part in plus they own Hurst Copse on the Isle of Wight, a woodland SSSI that you can visit on your own or as part of one of the Trust's wildlife watching events.
Plantlife
• www.plantlife.org.uk
Plantlife is a UK charity for the conservation of wild plants in their natural habitat and its goal is to halt the loss of wild plant diversity. Its President is David Bellamy and its patron is the Prince of Wales. Plantlife has nature reserves at 22 sites in England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man, 18 of which are open to the public.The site contains a great deal of information on rare British plants. You can make a donation or get involved by helping to survey wild flower populations, volunteering in their Salisbury office, or even becoming a "Flora Guardian" and helping with conservation work in a hands on way. The site contains a full list of their events programmes.
Reticule
• www.reticule.co.uk
Excellent site for the identificaiton of British wild flowers. Fill out a questionaire about the characterisitcs on the plant you want to identify and you will be presented with a list of plants that fit the bill. Details and photos of all plants to make identification easier.
The Royal Forestry Society
• www.rfs.org.uk
Founded in 1882, The Royal Forestry Society is a registered charity with over 4000 members. Their aim is to further the appreciation of trees woods and forests. If you want to know about trees, the website contains detailed information and photos on all tree species in the UK plus extensive information on woodland plants and animals. If you are interested in woodland management, there are details of jobs, qualifications and training courses.
RSPB
• www.rspb.org.uk
Headers: Birds, Gardens, Countryside, Reserves, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a wildlife conservation charity founded in 1889. Part of its aim is to protect and restore important wildlife areas across the UK. At present there are over 150 RSPB reserves in the UK covering more than 240,000 acres. Each reserve is described with details of opening times and charges. The site contains an A-Z of UK birds with images, descriptions and habits. If you are new to birdwatching, there is also a section on watching birds, which contains useful tips and advice. Membership of the society is £30 per year for one adult or £38 per year for 2 adults. Family membership is £48.
Scottish Wildlife Trust
• www.swt.org.uk
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a charitable organisation that works to protect wildlife and habitats in Scotland. The trust manages over 125 locations in Scotland which you are able to visit. They have four major Wildlife Reserve attractions with purpose built visitor centres. Click on "See wildlife" to get more detailed information about each site, how to get there, habitat, species and so on. Also, for each site there is a PDF information sheet available for download. You can join the Trust for as little as £1 per month by phoning them or by printing off a membership form and posting your cheque.
The Shark Trust
• www.sharktrust.org
Established in 1997, the Shark Trust is a UK registered charity dedicated to promoting the study, management, and conservation of sharks, skates and rays in the UK and internationally. The site contains shark, skate and ray information, a children's section, gallery, a video, and a forum. Join or adopt a shark.
The Tree Council
• www.treecouncil.org.uk
The Tree Council is an independant charity whose aims are to promote the planting and conservation of trees and woods throughout the UK and to educate about trees and tree management. Lots of information on planting and taking care of trees.
UK Animal Rescuers
• www.animalrescuers.co.uk
Excellent directory with information on rescue websites and centres throughout the UK. Information included for domestic and wildlife animals.
UK Safari
• www.uksafari.com
A web site for youngsters of all ages where you can view photos, facts and information about the flora and fauna of the UK. Free wallpapers available. You can also get photo tips and enter the photo of the month competition.
What's this Caterpillar?
• www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk
Lots of information about and photographs of caterpillars, including how to rear your own!
WildPro
• www.wildlifeinformation.org
An electronic encyclopaedia and libray for wildlife. Topics covered are UK Wildlife: First Aid and Care; West Nile Virus; Foot and Mouth Disease, Waterfowl: Health and Management.
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
• www.wwt.org.uk
Sir Peter Scott founded The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in 1946 and it is now the largest international wetland conservation charity in the UK. The trust works to restore habitats and run captive breeding programmes to help threatened wetland birds as well as sponsoring research into conservation. The trust owns and manages 9 visitor centres throughout the whole of the UK. Location details are on the site as well as virtual tours of 2 of the centres: The London Wetland Centre and Slimbridge. If you would like to help, you can join the Trust. Membership entitles you to free entry to all 9 of the visitor centres.
Wildlife Helpline National Service
• http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/wildlife21237
Created by Roger Goy in 1990, the Wildlife Helpline National Service is a voluntary service that provides telephone information on all things to do with UK wildlife; flora and fauna. You can also email if you prefer. In addition the site includes daily updates on wildlife sightings.
The Wildlife Trusts
• www.wildlifetrusts.org
Originally established in 1912 as The Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, The Wildlife Trusts is now the UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to British wildlife and the protection of the UK's natural heritage. They have 47 local Wildlife Trusts, each of which is an independent charity responsible for its own area. Together, the Trusts care for more than 2560 nature reserves which include coastline and urban locations. Click on "Activities" to find details of all the reserves, including location and access. You can become a member and receive the Natural World magazine 3 times a year, a newsletter from your local Trust, invitations to local events and an oportuinty to lend a hand. The Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts is Sir David Attenborough.
Wildlife Watch
• www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Wildlife Watch, the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts, is an environmental action club for children. It. is probably more fun if you do join - you get a membership card, magazine, newsletter, poster, wildlife guide, take part in events and surveys and collect action badges. However, the website does have free content for children such as brain teasers, things to make and do, a wildlife diary and ways in which you can help the environment.
The Woodland Trust
• www.woodland-trust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust (President: Clive Anderson) is a conservation charity dedicated to the protection of the UK's native woodland heritage. Click on "Our Woods" to get information on over a thousand woods in England, Wales and Scotland. You can also buy woodland guides online.
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